- Original airing is preferable for the specific filming style and enhanced jokes
- Season overall is not terrible
- GOB/Michael/Tobias centric episodes are standout, while George Sr and George Michael episodes bring it down
Have you ever revisited a show that you loved in the past, only to find that your memories of it didn’t quite match up with reality? That’s exactly what happened to me when I decided to rewatch Season 4 of Arrested Development on Netflix. I remembered it as being a bit of a letdown compared to the earlier seasons, but upon a second viewing, I have to admit that it’s honestly not as bad as I remembered. In fact, there are some aspects of it that I now appreciate even more than before.
One of the things that struck me the most about Season 4 is the way it was originally aired compared to the way it is presented on Netflix now. The original way it aired is actually superior in my opinion. It was filmed in a specific way that makes more sense in the context of the show, and some of the jokes hit better when you see an alternate angle of a scene that already happened. The remix that Netflix created for the show just doesn’t have the same impact as the original version, and it’s a shame that they try to hide it.
That being said, the season itself is not terrible. In fact, the GOB/Michael/Tobias centric episodes are honestly great. They are top tier Arrested Development material, and they remind me why I fell in love with the show in the first place. GOB’s antics never fail to bring a smile to my face, and Michael’s role as the straight man in the Bluth family is always entertaining to watch.
However, not all the episodes in Season 4 are on the same level. The George Sr and George Michael episodes, in particular, bring the overall quality of the season down. I personally don’t find them as funny as the other episodes, and I don’t think they warrant having entire episodes dedicated to them. It’s puzzling to me that George Sr even got two episodes all to himself.
Despite the mixed quality of the episodes, I still think that Season 4 of Arrested Development is worth watching. If it had more GOB and Michael-centric episodes, it would have been amazing. These two characters really elevate the show whenever they are on screen, and their interactions with the rest of the Bluth family are always a highlight.
Season 4 of Arrested Development may not be as bad as I remembered, but it’s not without its flaws. The original way it aired is definitely superior to the remix that Netflix created, and the GOB/Michael/Tobias centric episodes are definitely the standout moments of the season. If you’re a fan of the show, I would recommend giving it another chance and seeing if your opinion of it has changed like mine did. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family who also love Arrested Development!
